Introduction to Digital Methods

19 February 15:00 to 26 February 17:00

This course provides an introduction to digital research methods and digital research, in particular from a social sciences perspective.

The course is divided into two sessions:

Session 1

 A background and overview of digital research in the social sciences, including a brief historical overview of engagement between digital research and the social sciences dating back to (at least) the early 1990s, addressing both “utopian” and “dystopian” visions of the impact of the development of the internet and other digital and online realms on human/social interaction and everyday life and contrasting in particular, perspectives from early and much more recent research in the social sciences. The session also explores broad themes and issues related to digital methods/digital research in the social sciences, including management of the online vs. the offline (and related terminological considerations), issues of research design and methodology such as contextualisation of research and “defining the field” (e.g. polymedia), issues of verification of information and informants, methodological options such as interviews, participant observation, ethnographic research methods and other qualitative research methods, as well as ethical considerations, including those particular to digital and online research.

Session 2

Having laid the foundations for thinking about digital research and digital research methods in session one, the focus of the second session is on case studies in digital research in the social sciences, including research related to digital environments, but conducted entirely offline; research of digitally-mediated contexts incorporating mixed methods or “blended” approaches; and attempts at ethnographic research in fully immersive online environments. The session will explore, through case studies, options for conducting research in different kinds of online environments, including social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.), discussion forums and groups, visual research and image analysis, network analysis and research in immersive environments such as virtual worlds and video games. Students will also be provided the opportunity to “workshop” relevant issues related to their own research projects.

 

Objectives:

1. Develop strategies for conducting effective and ethical digital research in the social sciences 
2. Gain familiarity with themes and issues – ethical, practical, conceptual, methodological – involved in conducting research in digitally-mediated environments and/or utilising digital research methods 
3. Gain familiarity with strategies, methods and tools available for conducing digital ethnographic/qualitative research in the social sciences, with particular reference to digital and online environments (discussion forums, social media platforms, fully immersive online realms) 
4. Explore strategies and options for good research project design, potentially encompassing online, offline and/or blended research methods

 

When

Session 1 - 19 February, 15:00 - 17:00

Session 2 - 26 February, 15:00 - 17:00

 

Attendance at both is mandatory

 

Apply here

 

 

Our booking process

When your application is received, you will be emailed a link and then have 48 hours to complete a pre-workshop form requesting additional information. If you do not meet this deadline, your application will be cancelled. 

See our full Terms and Conditions below

 

If you have specific circumstances which may affect your engagement with this event, or your meeting our Terms and Conditions, please continue with your booking and contact us by email to discuss how we can support you: researcherdevelopment@socsci.ox.ac.uk

 

Researcher Development Terms and Conditions

In booking any training workshops, you agree that: 

 

COMMITMENT: application is not an expression of interest; it is a firm commitment. You will be available for the full duration of the course session(s); if you are not, please do not make a booking. You will not accept any subsequent meeting invitations that may fall during the given workshop times. 

PRE-WORK / HOMEWORK: if applicable, you will complete any given pre-work and/or homework as described on the workshop web listing, as it constitutes part of the workshop  

CANCELLATION: should your circumstances change, and you are not able to attend the full session(s). you will cancel using the CoSy booking system (link in booking confirmation email) giving at least 72-hours' notice, so we can offer the place to someone on the waiting list. Cancellations by email will not be accepted. 

ARRIVAL: you will join, or arrive at, the workshop 5 minutes before the advertised start time, to ensure a prompt start. 

LATE POLICY: you understand that the online room will be locked / workshop door will be closed 10 minutes after the event start time and late-comers will not be admitted. This is to preserve the integrity of the course for those who are present.  

ENGAGEMENT: you will give the session your undivided attention and engagement. You will not be able to do other tasks in parallel. If online, you will ensure that your environment and internet connection allow you to participate verbally and with video cameras on. These are interactive workshops, and it is not appropriate to attend from a silent or shared workspace. 

ATTENDANCE RECORD: you understand the Register will be taken in the last half-hour of the course, and anyone not present in the room at that point will be marked as non -attending (see below) 

FEEDBACK: you will contribute feedback afterwards, to help us understand how well the session met its intended aims, and facilitate our continuous improvement 

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-ATTENDANCE: you understand that any non-attendance  
a) is visible to departments and supervisors/PIs, and  
b) may result in any future bookings you’ve made within the same term being cancelled, and the place(s) offered to the waiting list.